PSM urges probe into permitting of World Cup re-broadcasts

State media Public Service Media (PSM) has called to investigate how re-broadcasters were given approval to televise the FIFA World Cup 2018 to be held in Russia.

PSM stated that they had been given permission to buy exclusive rights to air the World Cup by their governing board.

The statement released by PSM's governing board late Wednesday confirmed the claim, and stated that the board had granted permission for the management to buy exclusive rights for the World Cup at a price of MVR 9.25 million. The board noted this was the first time such a price had been being paid in the Maldives for exclusive rights.

Their statement came after Maldives Broadcasting Commission confirmed that they would allow all parties with re-broadcasting licences to televise the World Cup, during a press gathering on Tuesday. The commission's President Mohamed Shaheeb had explained that the other channels would be re-broadcasting under nonexclusive agreements.

In their statement, PSM raised questions on how BroadCom came to such a decision, and called on to investigate the matter.

The South Asian region's official broadcaster is Sony Sports Network, who will be providing a "clean feed" (without featuring the channel's logo) to PSM, and re-broadcasters with a "dirty feed", according to BroadCom.

PSM had previously stated that they would take legal action against any campaigns in Maldives under "FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018".